End-of-year door-to-door collections: what are the rules?

Brussels waste collection agency Bruxelles Propreté is hoping to decrease the number of scam victims this year by reminding residents of the norms surrounding holiday donation collections.

During the winter holidays, bin collectors traditionally go door to door to collect voluntary donations.

Hoping to take advantage of the situation, scammers sometimes pose as refuse collectors to do the same.

Collections are generally only made at the end of the work day and never late in the evening.

Legitimate collectors are normally equipped with a document certifying their affiliation with their company and are usually wearing work clothes so that they can be identified.

At Bruxelles Propreté, staff can only organise collections between 6 and 19 December, and arrange to visit each household only once.

Greetings are delivered outside working hours, but never after 20.00. Teams are also always equipped with an official document.

Residents being asked for donations are urged to ask to check the identity of the agent.

Police remind residents that no one is obliged to give donations, as these are voluntary, and that if someone has doubts or concerns they should close their door and call 101.